Draining Your Hot Water Heater
When was the last time you drained your hot water heater? Did you even know you needed to? A cold shower is a brisk reminder of the importance of water heater maintenance. Checking this one task off your list once a year can extend the life of your hot water heater. Draining it removes sediment buildup, helping the tank perform more efficiently, which will in turn save you money.
How to Drain Your Hot Water Heater
To drain your hot water heater, you will need a 3-4ft section of garden hose with a fitting that can connect to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Direct the flow of the hose into either a bucket or a floor drain, whichever is easiest for you. If you have a gas water heater, begin by turning off the gas and extinguishing the pilot light. For electric water heaters, simply remove the plug from the wall or manually trip the circuit breaker.
- Turn off the water supply
- Attach the hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater
- Open that same valve.
- Open the pressure relief valve.
- Allow the water to drain either in a bucket or floor drain
- When the tank is empty, turn on the water supply valve.
- Allow the water to flow through the tank and out the drain valve until it runs clear.
- Close the drain valve and pressure relief valve so the tank can refill.
- For electric water heater: Flip the circuit breaker or plug the unit back in.
- For gas water heater: Turn on the gas and relight the pilot light.
This may seem like a simple task, there is always a potential danger of flooding. Hot water heater valves made of plastic or valves that have not been used in a while can leak. Always keep a close eye on the valve after you close it to ensure the valve is not defective. Even a small drip can turn into a big problem.
Draining a hot water heater is a maintenance task that many homeowners can do themselves. If you’re not comfortable doing this, contact Meridian Plumbing and Heating or request an online estimate. If this is an emergency, we’re available 24/7 at 204-504-9551.
Are you ready this winter to keep your house warmer and save money?
Are you ready this winter to keep your house warmer and save money? Here are 4 tips to get you started….
1. Get your furnace serviced: Just like your car, your furnace needs to be serviced regularly. Getting a regular Service ensures your furnace is running smoothly and efficiently and extends the lifespan.
2. Change your furnace Filter: During those cold months your furnace is working hard to keep you and your family warm. Be sure to check the filter regularly. Most filters need to be changed every 3 months.
3. Let the sunshine in
: Open those blinds and curtains during the day to allow that wonderful sunshine to help with heating up your house. Once the sun goes down, close the blinds to keep the heat inside.
4. Set a timer on your thermostats: When you are at work set your thermostats to lower the temperature. Most people now have a smart thermostat, or a digital thermostat that you can put those timers to use. Turning the heat down will help with overall costs in the long run.